Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Natural Sunscreens for Your Skin and the Environment
Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Natural Sunscreens for Your Skin and the Environment
We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team (and that of our sister team at the Good Housekeeping Institute).
Whether you’re concerned with your own health or the well-being of the planet at large, the best natural sunscreens are a safe bet for both your skin and the earth. Because they’re designed to be free of certain chemicals and friendly to sensitive skin, these mineral-based SPFs are worth taking on your next beach trip or hike.
That’s not to say that chemical sunscreens are automatically bad, though: The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation agree that the benefits of chemical sunscreens “far outweigh any potential downsides,” says Joel Schlessinger, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon.
“However, many natural sunscreens work without chemicals to provide great sun protection and coverage,” he continues. Anyone with a history of a sunscreen allergy or conditions like rosacea and eczema might want to stick with natural sunscreens, which could bother skin less than their chemical counterparts.
Natural SPFs are also generally known as reef-safe sunscreens since they don’t contain potentially toxic ingredients like oxybenzone, a UV-blocking chemical associated with dire consequences for marine life. Still, the term “natural” is a bit hard to define, as it’s not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration—so you’ll have to read the label to ensure you’re avoiding chemical filters or potential skin irritants.
How we chose the best natural sunscreen
Even with all of this in mind, shopping for the right sunscreen can feel completely overwhelming—so we did the work for you! We consulted Dr. Schlessinger, Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Julia Tzu, M.D., founder and medical director of Wall Street Dermatology in New York, Lauren Ploch, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) who tests countless products to ensure a fair and accurate representation of each item, poured through online reviews, and researched the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) ratings for sunscreens (on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the safest and the top possible score of EWG-verified) to create this list.
Our top natural sunscreens
- Best Overall: Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen
- Best Value: Aveeno Positively Mineral Sunscreen
- Best for Dark Skin Tones: Unsun Mineral Tinted Sunscreen
- Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50
- Most Loved by Dermatologists: EltaMD UV Physical Sunscreen
Whether you want to avoid dangerous chemicals or simply want to know exactly what you’re putting on your skin, here are the best natural and organic sunscreens that will help protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.
Whether you have sensitive skin or want to avoid chemicals, a natural sunscreen is a safe bet. Here, dermatologists share the safe formulas that actually work.
